Small Business Help.

[robg117]

I have been reading these forums for some time now and could use a little help from the intelligent people who post here. I am involved in a family business in the NYC area. Our business is construction, doing various things, but focusing mainly on all types of fence installation and fabrication. We do pretty well, but do not advertise at all. My main problem is i would like to advertise our business a little bit by starting a website for our company, and would like to know where i should get started in doing this. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank You.
Robert

[BusinessAdviser]

To start, I would search around the 'net, find some sites that you like the looks of, and contact the owners to find out who designed them.

[printchemist]

When you look for someone to design you website and script it try to have everything you are going to want already laid out and ready to go. I am still fighting with my scripter to make minor edits. Try to talk everything over with them so you don't need to go back and forth.

[malahverdian]

I've been in web design for about 5.5 years now, and my best advice to you is that, with websites, it is not 'Build it and they will come', no pun intended...

All that having a website does, is open a means of communication for your business to potential customers... its sort of like having a brochure printed, and putting it on a really big table... if you tell people where it is, they may take a look.

So then you are going to start focusing on paying to advertise your website to advertise your business... I think a website is a great tool for any business, and a great resource, but is by no means a tool to bring in new business alone. I would look for local ways to advertise, something within the reach of your business.

My boss would tell this to every client before selling them a website, and people would really appreciate it, and that was something I always respected about my ex-boss.

His site by the way is NetSense.net

[robg117]

Thank you for the replies, and i do understand that a website is not the answer to all my needs. I feel that it would be a good starting off point, and is something i feel every business should have in this day and age. I have wanted to get one for awhile now just haven't known where to start all info is appreciated. Thanks

Robert

[GonnaBthere]

I do think that having a website is almost a must for any professional company. These days, everybody who wants to use someone for any kind of work, always goes onto the computer to check out their website. I know I always do. It gives people a sense of comfort when they can get to know a little about the company they want to use.

For example, going to the movies. If you find a list of movies on the computer and see a title you don't recognize, you'd want to watch a trailer of it. Your not just going to go to the ticket booth and buy a ticket without knowing what it's about. Same goes for a company. Especially construction.

[BusinessAdviser]

Raises an interesting issue:

Are there any industries out there where a website would not benefit companies within in them?

I can't think of any.

[GonnaBthere]

Raises an interesting issue:

Are there any industries out there where a website would not benefit companies within in them?

I can't think of any.

The only thing that I can think of, and maybe I'm wrong, would be a gas station. I don't know anyone who only fills up at a certain "brand" because they've researched different websites and found out that X is better than Y.

What do you think?

[malahverdian]

It would still benefit the company, in the event that investors can find information, or consumers, businesses, franchisees can contact them for more information. I don't really feel like thinking of anymore, but you see the point.

[GonnaBthere]

It would still benefit the company, in the event that investors can find information, or consumers, businesses, franchisees can contact them for more information. I don't really feel like thinking of anymore, but you see the point.

That makes sense. Like I said I was probably wrong but it was the only industry I could think of that could possibly have an argument towards it. But when it comes to franchises and other mentionings above, I see your point.

[babyjoy214]

My main problem is i would like to advertise our business a little bit by starting a website for our company, and would like to know where i should get started in doing this. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank You.
Robert

hello Robert!

im new in this forum, i'm working for Agents of Value and presently involved in assisting entrepreneurial companies doing business on the Internet. If you're still interested in making you're website, our company maybe of much help to you.. the site is agentsofvalue.com

sorry, this is my first post so im not allowed to use a link..

Goodluck!

-Joy